Five Star Companies: Tree Services

Maryland/Metro D.C. Tree Services

Reputable Arborists & Tree Service Companies in the Maryland/Metro D.C. Area

We are here to help when you need a local contractor but you don't have the time or patience to try to find the best Arborists & Tree Service companies in the Maryland/Metro D.C. area. Relax. We've done the research for you. We save Maryland/Metro D.C. area homeowners time by conducting thousands of due diligence home contractor surveys and interviews with homeowners. Only Arborists & Tree Service companies that “earn” a Five Star Rating through exceptional service and work performance are listed above. Our stringent selection process ensures you'll be working with the best Arborists & Tree Service contractors that provide top quality service to the Maryland/Metro D.C. area.

Services & Products Provided:

Complementary Services & Products:

Tree consulting from a ‘certified arborist’ or an accredited tree company.

Number One Complaint in the Maryland/Metro D.C. Tree Services Category:

Some tree services companies will remove trees before checking with the local Homeowners Association to see if it is allowed, thereby causing problems (sometimes local fines) for the homeowner.

"The service I needed was in the green book. I use this publication a lot and don’t feel like I even have to get 2nd opinions." - Timothy T.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Tree Service Company to Trim Your Trees

The trees in your yard add more than just decoration. The shade they provide can help lower your energy bills, and many home buyers cite well-maintained trees as one of the deciding factors for choosing one house over another. Keeping the trees looking great is a more delicate process than you may think, and it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. A tree that is allowed to grow without attention can become unhealthy, develop weak limbs that could damage your home, and can destroy your other landscaping. There are many reasons why you should choose a professional tree trimmer instead of attempting this chore yourself.

Tree Health
Believe it or not, trees are delicate plants that can be killed quite easily. Pruning dead or dangerous limbs needs to be done by someone who understands how to keep the tree healthy in the process. Different tree breeds may require pruning only at certain times of the year, or only in certain amounts. Take a look at the list of Dos and Don’ts from Tree Care Tips to see what we mean. Young trees need even more care than well-established plants, and overzealous pruning can actually lead to bad health for the surrounding trees, due to the way tree roots tend to mingle and share nutrients underground.

Safety
The CDC estimates that an average of 80 deaths occur every year due to amateurs attempting to do their own tree work. Within the arborist industry, injuries and fatalities are a common occurrence. Working high in the air without the proper harnessing gear is inadvisable at best, especially when you consider that you’ll be climbing with sharp tools like chainsaws that can seriously injure you. A professional tree trimmer would never climb without someone on the ground to haul them down if they get injured while in the tree. Another consideration is nearby power lines, which have to be carefully avoided with tree limbs, ropes, and tools. Professionals carry insurance that protects them in the event they get hurt on the job.

Tree Trimming Equipment
George Washington may have cut down a cherry tree with a hand axe, but properly pruning a tree requires specialized equipment that the average homeowner probably doesn’t have. In addition to the harnesses and climbing gear that keeps a professional tree trimmer safe, they also use quality chainsaws and special tools of the trade that make pruning much easier. Their expertise and equipment also keep your home and vehicles safe from harm. A knowledgeable tree trimmer will always be able to drop a limb in a way that never threatens your fences, sheds, or other structures.

For these and other reasons, hiring a professional tree trimming company is a very smart idea. Not only will you ensure the health and safety of your yard, you’ll also save time. A pro can do a quality pruning job in much less time than an amateur, and they’ll also be able to offer valuable insight on keeping your landscaping looking great all year.

Top Consumer Tips for Maryland/Metro D.C. Tree Services:

(1) Always consult with an I.S.A. Certified Arborist. This will insure that you receive professional and sound advice regarding your tree care needs. Not all tree service companies employ certified arborists.

(2) Never allow anyone to climb your trees with climbing spikes unless the tree is being completely removed. Climbing spikes create wounds that can expose the tree to fatal disease and potential insect attacks.

(3) Always verify liability and workers compensation insurance. Make sure that all tree care workers on the job site are covered.

(4) Consult with an arborist prior to embarking on any construction activities around trees. A large majority of tree problems arise from grading work that is performed too close to a tree. The majority of the feeding roots of a tree are in the top 6-8 inches of the soil and extend beyond the canopy spread.

(5) Keep ivy off of the trunk and away from the base of a tree. Ivy can add excess weight to a tree’s canopy and can cause limb failure. Ivy also retains excess moisture underneath causing decay to occur to the base of the tree.

(6) Should you see mushroom growth on or around any of your trees, consult an arborist immediately. Mushroom growth is a sign of trunk or root decay.

(7) Mulching over the root system of a tree is a great way to conserve soil moisture. However, never place mulch against the base of the tree. Like ivy, the moisture retention can cause trunk decay. The mulch layer should only be 3 to 4 inches thick. Excess mulch will inhibit proper oxygen availability for the roots.

(8) Verify that a tree service contractor has a state pesticide applicator’s license before allowing any pesticides to be applied to your property.

(9) Most communities have tree safe ordinances. Know your local ordinances before you remove a tree. This will prevent you from possible costly fines. A reputable tree company will know the local ordinances before starting any project around your home.

(10) Never prepay for any service. Only pay the tree services company upon completion of the work and total satisfaction with the job.

We've done the research for you and we stand behind the companies featured on this website and within the guidebook. We're confident that your experience with our vetted and qualified contractors will be exceptional, so confident that we back it with a guarantee.